Short Answer: Beans are good for PCOS because they contain fiber, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation.
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a condition that affects your endocrine system and hormonal balance.
In PCOS, your body produces excess androgen hormones and resists insulin, which can lead to various health problems, such as ovarian cysts, reduced or no menstruation, an increase in body fat, and increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular problems, depression, and endometrial cancer.
One of the key factors in managing PCOS is diet.
What you consume can affect your insulin sensitivity, which can impact your PCOS symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage PCOS, you should consume whole foods rich in fiber, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds like beans and legumes and avoid refined carbohydrates and processed foods that can cause insulin spikes and inflammation.
Now, soy is a type of plant-based protein that is widely used in Asian cuisine and nutrition.
People usually consume soy products such as soy milk, tofu, tempeh, edamame, and soy sauce.
Soy is good for PCOS because it contains isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens that can help regulate hormone levels and reduce inflammation.
Soy can also help lower total and LDL (the “bad” cholesterol), triglycerides, blood pressure, and insulin.
You can eat up to 25 grams of soy protein per day safely.
More than that can cause hormonal imbalances or interfere with some medications.
That’s why I suggest you limit your soy intake to moderate amounts and choose other sources of protein such as lean meat, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, or dairy products.
Stick to 25 grams of soy protein per day to minimize the potential side effects with reasons.
Also, you shouldn’t avoid beans and legumes if you have PCOS to prevent metabolic complications.
Because beans and legumes are rich in fiber and antioxidants that can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation.
Because they are also a good source of plant-based protein that can help you feel full and support muscle growth.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing PCOS effectively.
I always recommend my PCOS patients to follow a low glycemic index (GI) diet, an anti-inflammatory diet, or the DASH diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.